Theresa Menzies

Theresa Mary Menzies (born 19 February 1953) is a British politician and banker who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons from 1995 to 1996. A member of the Liberal Democrats, Menzies also served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1993 to 1996 and has served in Parliament since 1993, first representing Lancaster and Merseyside from 1993 to 1995 and then Northwest England since 1996. She is currently serving as the Speaker of the House of Commons since 1996.

Menzies worked as the CEO of the London Stock Exchange for fourteen years and was elected to Parliament in 1993. Due to her background in finances, she was appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer. When she became prime minister in 1995, she appointed herself chancellor, becoming the first prime minister to serve in both offices since 1923.

Following the immediate resignation of Justine Cable from all positions, Menzies was chosen by the Liberal Democrats caucus to serve as prime minister and the party's parliamentary leader with the consent of Liberal Democrats leader Jo Cameron, who declined to serve due to her interests abroad. Following the Liberal Democrats' losses in the 1996 elections, Menzies stepped down as the party's parliamentary leader and was elected as Speaker of the House of Commons.